Potatoes are the fourth most important food crop worldwide and play a key role in Switzerland’s food self-sufficiency. Rising temperatures due to climate change are increasing the prevalence of early blight (Alternaria spp.), leading to yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. The disease is currently managed with fungicides, but resistance risks and regulatory restrictions, such as the Mancozeb ban in 2022, pose challenges. With Switzerland targeting a 50% pesticide reduction by 2027, new sustainable strategies are needed.
This project aims to support Swiss potato growers by identifying predominant Alternaria species, assessing fungicide resistance, and evaluating impacts on yield. It will establish a sampling network, conduct field trials, and, if needed, develop a decision support system for early blight management. Results will be shared with farmers through field days and publications and integrated into the European platform EuroBlight. The project aligns with national and international efforts to promote resource-efficient, reliable plant protection strategies while ensuring sustainable potato production based on the joint expertise of Agroscope collaborators.